Paula Bowes, PhD

Paula Josephine Bowes, 91, longtime Frederick resident, passed away peacefully, September 25th, in Beech Grove, Indiana.  She was born on November 28th, 1923, to Anny Jehle and Joseph Haller in Murnau, Germany.  She immigrated to New York City with her mother in 1929.  Paula completed a BA in chemistry, magna cum laude, from St. Joseph’s College, New York, in 1944.  Married to James E. Bowes, MD, since 1946, the couple lived in New York City, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Fort Hood, Texas, Salt Lake City, Portsmouth, Rhode Island, Indianapolis, and Frederick, Maryland.

She is survived by 13 children:  Chris (Debby), Marie (Stephen) Rodier, Theresa, Peter, Catherine (Tarek) Hegazi, Thomas (Sarah), Margaret (Floyd) Lancaster, Andrew (Kriss), Patricia, Greg (Patti), Robert (Jennifer), Bill (Julie), Elizabeth (Ken) Harlan, 22 grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her husband and grandchildren Lodie Seastrom and Matthew Bowes.

Paula received her MS in Religion from Christian Theological Seminary (CTS) in 1972 and taught at Indiana University-Purdue University (IUPUI) at Indianapolis, and CTS. Her PhD in Hebrew language and Cognate Studies was conferred in 1979 from Hebrew Union - Jewish Institute of Religion, in Cincinnati.  She taught Greek, Hebrew, the Old and New Testament at CTS, IUPUI, Georgetown and American University.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Her book Commentaries on I and II Samuel, was published in 1982.  She was the visiting professor of Hebrew Studies at Pontifical Biblical Institute, The Vatican, Italy, for four months 1987-88.  Receiving Holy Communion from Pope John Paul II was a highlight of that time.

Paula enjoyed reading, watching foreign movies, sailing, music (ranging from opera to swing), all things Italian, sewing, and baking German pastries.  She always remembered birthdays and anniversaries and was generous to those in need.  She spoke and wrote six languages.  Attending daily Catholic Mass and receiving Holy Communion were the most important facets of her life.  May she rest in the peace of Jesus Christ forever.

The family is most grateful to the staff of St. Catherine’s Nursing Center in Emmitsburg for the loving care that they gave to Paula.

A graveside service will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 6th at St. John's Cemetery in Frederick with Fr. Hector Mateus-Ariza officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Saint Catherine’s Nursing Center, 331 S. Seton Ave, Emmitsburg, Maryland, 21727 or schedule a Mass intention for the person or seminary of your choice.